In meticulous three-dimensional miniature, the shuttered Pearl Paint appears in sunlight on Canal Street. Closed in 2014, it still sits empty, covered in graffiti, another example of the city's ever-growing high-rent blight.

Randy opted to re-create the Lenox Lounge after it had been forced to close in 2012, but before it was stripped of all its gorgeous neon and exterior design elements. Here it stands, still intact, only a lot smaller -- 1/12th the size of the original.

From the grave rises CBGB's, before it was evicted and replaced by the John Varvatos boutique. Look closely--those windows are full of Lilliputian merchandise and nearly microscopic concert flyers.

Here's the Stage Restaurant, sadly shuttered as it remains today, in the East Village. We're hopeful that this local favorite will one day reopen. As far as we know, they're still fighting the eviction from their new landlord, Icon Realty.

Randy has also recreated two long-time survivors, McSorley's and Katz's. The level of close detail, as usual, is stunning.

Looking forward to Randy's 3rd Solo Show, Façade by Randy Hage at our gallery. The Opening is Saturday, October 10th from 6 pm to 10 pm. Exhibition from Oct 10th to Nov 18th, 2015. See more info at www.flower-pepper.com Thank you for the support!!!!

I Kept studying these maquette's and wondering if I was looking at the real thing or Hage's art. The brown paper effect in the window of the Lenox Lounge was incredibly real and convincing! Had I not known what I was looking at I would have been easily deceived. These works are both inspiring and depressing all at the same time. I hope the irony is not lost on our friends on the west coast. I'm sure they'll get it as San Francisco is going through a similar struggle to save their culture. I wish Hage luck for a successful show and hopefully his message gets much attention and press!

Is it enough to say that NY vanishes when too much of it gets TOO high? Or when it spreads TOO thin into "suburbs" (think Brooklyn in the 1800's, the Bronx in the late 1800's and early 1900's)?

I am worrying now about housing for my pregnant daughter, who must move soon while defending for Legal Aid clients. What a mess is life in the city! (What a bonanza, or so this to-be grandmother hopes and trusts.)